Estelle Mossely registered her latest win in historic fashion.
The performance itself was more of a learning lesson than a time-capsule moment, as France’s Mossely turned away a stiff challenge from Argentina’s Yanina del Carmen Lescano to claim a ten-round, split decision victory. Lescano won 96-94 on one scorecard, overruled by scores of 96-94 and 97-93 Mike Hayel in favor of Mossely, who made the second defense of her IBO lightweight title Friday evening at Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Fubo Sports Network-televised main event marked the first time in history that a female title fight headlined a boxing show in the Middle East.
Mossely (10-0, 1KO) was fighting for the first time in more than a year, as the 2016 Olympic Gold medalist and mother of two was last seen on a March 2021 show which she shared with husband and heavyweight contender Tony Yoka. The 29-year-old lightweight from Bagnolet, France also fought outside of her home country for the first time as a pro, given all that she could handle from a determined first-time title challenger in Lescano (10-2, 2KOs).
The early rounds saw Mossely as the busier fighter and the aggressor, though Lescano offering the cleaner and shorter punches. The Argentinean contender was able to time Mossely with her jab coming in, though just not active enough to cause real concern.
Mossely was denied what should have been the bout’s lone knockdown in round four. A right hand by Mossely left Lescano wobbled, though with referee Giustino Di Giovanni ruling that the slick canvas and not her rubber legs caused her fall. Mossely continued with her attack, though abandoning her jab and loading up on her power shots.
Lescano turned the tide in rounds five and six, beating Mossely to the punch and throwing her jab and straight right hand with more purpose. Mossely rode out the storm before regaining the lead in round seven, tightening up her offense and disallowing Lescano to launch a sustained attack.
Mossely finished the fight strong, pumping a purposeful jab and following with right hands over Lescano’s guard. Lescano attempted one final surge but came up short in the end.
Mossely previously called for the winner of the April 30 superfight between undisputed lightweight queen Katie Taylor and record-setting seven-division titlist Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Greater activity is more likely in her future, a benefit of her recently signing with promotional upstart Probellum.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox